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Today’s Deals2013 Rocky Mountain
Instinct 970
A 29″ aluminum frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components.
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| Frame | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Full, 130 / 130mm |
| Fork | Fox Float 32 |
| Shock | Fox |
| Wheels | 29″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 2 × 10 |
| Groupset | XT |
| Brakes | Avid Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
Summary
The Rocky Mountain Instinct is a versatile trail bike praised for its customizable geometry and suspension through the RIDE-9 system, making it adaptable to a wide range of terrains. Its durability and performance on technical descents are frequently highlighted, though some reviews note areas for improvement in fork stiffness and rear suspension plushness. The bike's ability to balance agility with stability at high speeds is a consistent strength across reviews.
Customizable geometry and suspension with RIDE-9 system
Durable and performs well in harsh conditions
Balances agility and stability at high speeds
Effective on technical terrain
Clean cable routing and stylish design
Fox Float 29 32 fork could be stouter
Rear shock doesn't fully utilize its stroke
Handling can feel imprecise for some riders
Missing a dropper post in some builds
The Instinct 970 never shat the bed or raised a mechanical fuss.
BIKE MagazineIt quickly became apparent that the Instinct lives to rip technical terrain. It ate up rocks and roots on rough trails, flew through high-speed singletrack and carved corners with ease.
Canadian Cycling MagazineThe bright green Rocky Mountain Instinct 950 MSL didn’t just stand out amongst the other black and silver test bikes because of its colour: the high quality finish and beautiful shapes also contribute to the stylish-looking machine.
Enduro Mountainbike MagazineFeedback?
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Dec 2014 · Christoph Bayer
The bright green Rocky Mountain Instinct 950 MSL didn’t just stand out amongst the other black and silver test bikes because of its colour: the high quality finish and beautiful shapes also contribute to the stylish-looking machine. This review is part of a Group Test. View the main article here. Cube Stereo 120 HPC Race […]
Nov 2014 · MBA Action
Instinctively Smooth Straight From Canada
Aug 2014 · Canadian Cycling Magazine
Rocky Mountain Instinct 970 MSL is a big-wheeled bike for big rides
Jul 2013 · Francis Cebedo
Smooth going up and even plusher going down. The Rocky Mountain MSL is a capable ride for rocky, rooty, and fast terrain. - Mtbr.com
May 2013
There are plusher bikes out there. Lighter bikes as well. Where the Instinct excels, however, is its balance and versatility. I'd happily ride this thing anywhere outside of a bike park. A quick tweak of the geometry and the bike is ready to tackle just about anything. That's not something you can say of most 29ers.
| Frame | FORM™ Alloy Custom Hydroformed Frame ABC™ Pivots Tapered Head Tube Press Fit BB Internal Cable Routing Internal \"Stealth\" Dropper Post Routing Internal Shock Remote Routing ISCG05 Tabs RIDE-9™ System Adjustable Geometry & Suspension Rate |
|---|---|
| Fork | Fox 32 Float 29 130 FIT CTD Travel: 130mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | Fox Float Remote CTD Custom Trail Valved Travel: 130mm |
| Bottom Bracket | Race Face Press Fit Team XC |
| Headset | Cane Creek Forty Series: ZS44mm Top / ZS56mm Bottom Tapered |
| Stem | Race Face Turbine CNC 6° x 60-90mm |
| Handlebar | Race Face Turbine 3/4 Rise Ø31.8mm x 725mm x 9° Sweep |
| Saddle | Rocky Mountain XC Light |
| Seatpost | RockShox Reverb 30.9mm x 380-420mm Type: Dropper |
| Grips | Rocky Mountain Lock On XC |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano XT Shadow Plus 10spd |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | Shimano XT E Mount 2x10spd |
| Crank | Race Face Turbine 170-175mm 36/24T 2x10spd |
| Shifters | Shimano XT Rapid Fire 2x10spd |
| Cassette | Shimano HG81 11-36T 10spd |
| Chain | Shimano HG74 10spd |
| Brakes | Avid Elixir 90 XM Hydraulic Disc 180mm Type: Avid Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | Avid Elixir 90 XM |
| Rims | DT Swiss M 1.6 Tubeless Ready |
|---|---|
| Spokes | DT Swiss Competition |
| Front Hub | DT Swiss M 1.6 Straight Pull 15mm Axle |
| Rear Hub | DT Swiss M 1.6 Straight Pull / Star Ratchet Freehub / 12 x 142mm |
| Tires | Continental Folding F: Mountain King 29\" x 2.2\" / R: X King 29\" x 2.2\" |
First added September 9
Last updated April 14
Not listed for 1,874 days